Classic Eventing Nation

Buck Davidson Cleans House at Ocala Winter I Horse Trials

By on Jan 8, 2017 3:30 pm -
Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Jenni Autry. Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Buck Davidson made the most of his Intermediate rides at Ocala Winter I, presented by The Brian Cox Farm Team, this weekend, finishing first and second and also sixth in the Open Intermediate to kick off his 2017 show season.

Buck and Carlevo, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding, added 1.2 time to his weekend score to win the Open Intermediate on a score of 26.6. Buck also piloted the stallion Halimey to a second place finish on the wings on a double clear cross country run to open up the pipes today. Halimey starts his season on a final score of 29.6, moving up from fifth overnight.

Leslie Law and Tre de Kernat, who most recently finished ninth in the CIC3* at Ocala Jockey Club in November, moved from sixth into third overall on a score of 31.3, adding nothing to their dressage score for a solid beginning to the year.

Leslie and Voltaire de Tre as well as Danielle Ditching Busbee and Fernhill Allure also held onto their overnight leads on today’s cross country in the Intermediate Horse and Intermediate Rider division, respectively.

Sable Giesler also was able to defend her lead in the Open Preliminary aboard Devil Munchkin, who picked up a top 15 finish in the CCI2* at Ocala Jockey Club to cap off their 2016 season. Katlyn Hewson and Fernhill Cascum Marco broke their original tie for third to finish second thanks to a double clear run today, followed by Woodge Fulton and Brave New World, who moved up two to take third overall.

Our good friend, The Horse Pesterer, is back out and about in Ocala this year and has busily been uploading his first videos of the new year to his YouTube channel. You can catch up with the Ocala action here, and we can’t wait to get this season up and running in earnest.

Ocala Winter I: [Website][Ride Times][Live Scores]

Best of HN: Drama Llamas, a Horse Writer’s Observation

By on Jan 8, 2017 12:30 pm -
Original photo Pixabay/Olichel/CC, with photo editing by Maria Wachter. Original photo Pixabay/Olichel/CC, with photo editing by Maria Wachter.

I’ve been a writer for Horse Nation for about a year and a half. I freaking love this job. I get to write and I get paid to write! How cool is that?!

I have found out over my 18-month stint with Horse Nation that out of all the articles I have written for them, the ones that get the most views are either funny articles/lists (10 reasons why equestrians do this or that, etc) or pieces that invite discussion. People love that stuff!

Sometimes the comments are even more amusing than the articles themselves. If you don’t believe me, read the satirical post Highly Scientific Report: The Budweiser Clydesdales Are Fake. Then read the comments. Oh my, was that a blast to read! I also love the fact that half the comments were from people who didn’t even read the article. They just “assumed.”

My informative articles, on the other hand, don’t get read much at all. I get it, we LOVE drama and we LOVE to laugh and we LOVE to stir the pot. Look at the nightly news, for example: they stay in business because of all the drama they create. It also seems that people who say “I can’t stand drama” tend to be the most dramatic of them all.

Here’s the truth: social media has become a great tool for people to get their drama fix.

For example, if you post a picture of you riding your horse on the trails and get a through-the-ears shot, you’ll get a couple of likes and a couple of nice comments. If you put a pic up of yourself riding in the wrong bit/saddle/tack; riding without a helmet; riding a slightly chubby/slightly skinny horse; or being a little overweight yourself, your post will go viral with plenty of out-of-control comments.

Here are a few things people love to go off on:

  • barefoot vs shoes controversy.
  • anytime anyone rides without a helmet, especially if the rider is under the age of 18.
  • any time anyone rescues a horse and asks for advice.
  • saddle and tack questions
  • training suggestions — such as how to stop a bolting horse
  • bad horse trader deals/stories (by the way, we’ve all been burnt before)
  • posting x-rays of your horse’s feet
  • anything related to the Budweiser horses
  • horse abuse stories
  • anytime a horse is for sale for under $200 — because the kill buyer will buy it.
  • riding with your dog
  • horse racing
  • “but I thought I bought a horse that was beginner safe!”

I could go on and on.

Basically if it’s on social media, it’s fair game. You better come prepared with your big girl panties and a bucket of popcorn.

Watch out for posts that start like this:

  • I’m looking for an honest opinion (trust me, they are not)
  • I’m not looking to start drama (they actually are)
  • Let me tell you what I think (after I got my emotions and a bottle of whiskey involved, even though I wasn’t there and I only know one side of the story)

So, readers of Horse Nation, now that the winter months are upon us, most people will be house bound instead of being outside doing stuff to keep them busy. You will come across a lot more drama in these next couple of months –horse people just can’t stay away from it.

Snuggle up, grab your favorite snack and indulge in your own reality show type of drama right on your own social media of choice. Shoot, bust out the liquor if your day is especially boring. You can deny it… but you know you love it.

hnlogo-1

Cambalda to Start Comeback Tour with Super Groom Erin Rose

By on Jan 8, 2017 9:32 am -
Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry. Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It’s been over a year since we’ve seen Cambalda, longtime partner of Jennie Brannigan, out competing. After sustaining a collateral ligament injury at Pau in 2015, Jennie and owners Tim and Nina Gardner made the decision to give “Ping” as much time as he needed to recover. Now, the 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding is eyeing a comeback in the new year, starting with a jaunt at Novice with super groom Erin Rose in the irons.

“I take it very seriously when a horse gets injured,” Jennie said. “I’m very lucky to have the Gardners because they really are in this for the horses. I cannot say enough about them to give them credit for all they do.”

Cambalda was relocated to the Gardner’s home farm, Welcome Here Farm in Pennsylvania, under the watchful eye of barn manager Karen Hokanson. “He really couldn’t have had any better of care there, and it really gave us the opportunity to give him as much time as he needed.”

It was Erin who took charge of most of Ping’s rehab work during his hiatus. “Erin really did most of the slow work bringing him back,” Jennie said. “He’s one of her favorite horses to take care of and I thought she would enjoy the chance to get to bring him back into work.”

The Cambalda dream team. Photo via Nina Gardner.

The Cambalda dream team. Photo via Nina Gardner.

The idea to give Erin the ride for Ping’s first event back was in the back of Jennie’s mind for several weeks leading up to the actual announcement. “For Ping, I thought it would be a good way to bring him back without any pressure,” she said. “He’s a horse who has really appreciated the time off, but he’s so happy to be back at it. And for Erin, I just wanted to find a good way to show my appreciation for all that she does.”

It was Erin who saddled up for Ping’s first jump school since competing at Pau, and both horse and rider looked comfortable and happy together as they easily navigated a small course at Jennie’s Ocala base. Erin has previously competed through the Preliminary level but has most recently taken a step back from competition.

“Jennie allowing me to do more on Ping has been pretty exciting,” Erin said. “Obviously, he’s a dream to ride. I haven’t competed since 2010, so this should be interesting!”

Erin and Ping will test the waters at the Novice level at the upcoming Three Lakes Horse Trials in Groveland, Florida January 16-17. For Cambalda, it will be a good stretch of the legs as he and Jennie look ahead to their upper-level comeback at the Wellington Eventing Showcase in February.

From there, Jennie plans to take things one day at a time with her veteran partner. “He owes me and the Gardners absolutely nothing,” she said. “He’s a fantastic three-star horse and has done a lot for my career. The Gardners and I have talked about maybe targeting Carolina International or Red Hills and some other signature events this year. He excels at that level and I just want him to be happy doing whatever he is doing.”

How about playing groom for Erin and Ping at Three Lakes in a couple of weeks? “Oh, I’ll be totally nervous,” Jennie laughed. “I’m the worst. You should see me when my kids are riding. I get so nervous it’s actually pretty unbelievable.”

We look forward to cheering on Erin and Cambalda as they compete in Florida — perhaps we’ll see a face off between Cambalda and Ballynoe Castle RM one of these days?

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Jan 8, 2017 12:00 am -
Photo courtesy of Sydni Nusink. Photo courtesy of Sydni Nusink.

It is -20 degrees in many parts of Utah and six or more inches of snow accumulated throughout the night last night, but that didn’t stop die hard eventers from showing up for the Wasatch Range Eventing Association Annual Banquet last night to celebrate an amazing 2016.

Subzero temps and dangerous roadways are no more a obstacle to us than sharing our XC venues with ropers and whatever random species of livestock they’re practicing on that week. We’ll get the job done and enjoy doing it. The WREA has been a vital partner to both schooling and recognized eventing in our state, and Utah would not have the burgeoning sport that we do if not for their leadership. It was a wonderful night to celebrate the accomplishments of so many hard working equestrians!

U.S. Weekend Scores:

Ocala Winter I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links

Jumper Nation’s 2017 Resolution: New Contributors Wanted!

Colic Surgery – Is it Likely To End the Careers of Sport Horses?

Tight Nosebands in Competition Rampant, Findings of New Study Suggest

How to Survive Winter Without Losing a Few Fingers

A Beach, a Sunset, and a Show Jumping Fantasy are the Perfect Saddle Pad Promo

Sunday Video:

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Five Fabulous Mares

By on Jan 7, 2017 4:30 pm -

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN each week.

Mares unfairly receive a bad rap sometimes. Sure they can occasionally be stubborn, sassy and well, “mare-ish.” But they are elegant, devoted, fiercely competitive and tough as nails. If you can gain a mare’s trust, she will try her heart out for you. Believe me.

This week we’re featuring five beautiful mares that are looking for their next partner. We’ve included the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

RubyRoc. Photo courtesy of Hayley Parsons via Sport Horse Nation.

RubyRoc. Photo courtesy of Hayley Parsons via Sport Horse Nation.

RubyRoc- Training packer with Prelim miles- JR/YR/AA Eventer

RubyRoc is an 11 year old, 16.3 hand, Irish Sport Horse, mare. Ruby has competed successfully through the preliminary level and is qualified for both a CIC and CCI 1*. She is a training level packer and has plenty of experience at the prelim level. She is by Espiritu out of a Rock King mare. This mare has wins at the novice, training, and preliminary level. She has been brought from novice to prelim with her current amateur rider. Ruby has an amazing disposition and is not mare-ish at all. She has consistent scores in dressage, is a careful show jumper, and is fun and kick ride cross country horse. She is extremely sound and ready to teach her next rider. She would be suitable for a JR/YR or Adult Amateur. Cannot say enough good things about this horse and she is sadly for sale due to life changes. Fantastic home is a MUST.

Recent placings:
2016: Feb Sporting Days PR 6th, Pine Top Adv. PR 11th, May Windridge OT 2nd, October Paradise OT 4th
2015: Feb Sporting Days P/T 1st, The Fork PR 17th, June River Glen OP 1st, Millbrook PR 17th out of 27

Located in North Carolina.

Haberdashery. Photo courtesy of Katherine Gill via Sport Horse Nation.

Haberdashery. Photo courtesy of Katherine Gill via Sport Horse Nation.

Total Package – Unlimited Scope

Haberdashery (Dash) is a 2010 TB Mare. She has experience as an eventer but would also make a fantastic jumper. Dash has automatic lead changes with a very scopey and correct jumping style. Flashy mover with unlimited potential! Good for farrier and vets. Hacks out alone and in company. Currently jumping 3’6″ and ready for the 2017 show season!

Located in Kentucky.

Lexi. Photo courtesy of Courtney Cooper via Sport Horse Nation.

Lexi. Photo courtesy of Courtney Cooper via Sport Horse Nation.

Lexi – 2008, 16.2H, Grey Canadian Sport Horse Mare

Lexi is an 8-year-old, 16.2H, Canadian Sport Horse mare who’s a talented young horse that’s ready to continue her career in any of several disciplines. She’s competed in many schooling jumper shows, dressage shows and events. She’s a good mover and excellent jumper. Lexi would be best suited for a junior, young rider, adult amateur rider, but is also talented enough for a professional.

Located in South Carolina.

Estefania. Photo courtesy of Daisy Trayford via Sport Horse Nation.

Estefania. Photo courtesy of Daisy Trayford via Sport Horse Nation.

Estefania – Top Quality Young Event Horse

16.0hh bay mare, 5yrs. Esta is presented for sale by Exmoor Eventing on behalf of her breeder, Cottage Farm Inc. She came to us to be started early this year – after a short summer break she has progressed to schooling Training level XC and SJ fences, and is becoming increasingly more established on the flat. Lightly competed – she won her last dressage outing and has never pulled a rail in the stadium in four outings. She is very bold XC and has schooled every type of fence including bank, ditches, steps and water (we run events on the property and she confidently jumps the Training level track!)

As her pedigree would suggest (Edelweiss de Bonce X Rockette) Copy & Paste this link into your browser for full pedigree:
www.sporthorse-data.com/db.php?i=10829321&time=1342388340. She is bred to have an exceptional jump and she does not disappoint!

Now in a professional program with the intention of producing her further this winter – we are all convinced she will do very well! We think she’s better suited to a competent amateur / ambitious YR. She’s a powerful mare with genuine upper level potential – she’s still a little ‘raw’ (only under saddle for a total of 6 months!) but she’s all talent and with a good program, will definitely fulfill her ability. Open to offers to the right home / rider.

Located in Florida.

Tilley. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Price via Sport Horse Nation.

Tilley. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Price via Sport Horse Nation.

Awesome Opportunity – Talented 8 yr old Mare

Tilley is a 8 year old, 3/4 TB 1/4 Belgian WB mare that we foaled in the spring of 2008. She is mature at 16h, incredibly sound with great feet and an easy keeper. She has been at Training level eventing for a year and a half, schooling 2nd level dressage, and is great off property. She has a lovely, sweet disposition that makes her a barn favorite wherever she goes.

Tilley would be an excellent mount for a junior or amateur looking to gain experience at lower level eventing or dressage, or just be an all around fun horse to have in the barn. She is naturally forward, very responsive to the aids, and absolutely safe.

Located in Maryland.

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information.

Clark Montgomery Leads Ocala Intermediate to Kick Off 2017

By on Jan 7, 2017 2:00 pm -
Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. Photo by Jenni Autry. Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Welcome to the first score report of the new 2017 season! The southern season kicks off in earnest this weekend with the Ocala Winter I Horse Trials presented by The Brian Cox Farm Team, with divisions running from Beginner Novice up through Intermediate. Plenty of familiar faces are out to stretch their legs at the beautiful Ocala Horse Park.

Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen, who we’re thrilled to welcome back stateside this season, will take the first lead of the year in the Open Intermediate, earning a neat 21.7 on the flat and adding no penalties in show jumping earlier today. This is this pair’s first start together since Rio, and we look forward to seeing much more of them here in the U.S. this year.

Buck Davidson is starting off his year lightly, piloting nine horses this weekend throughout the Training, Preliminary and Intermediate divisions. He’s currently in second in the Open Intermediate aboard Carlevo on a two phase score of 25.4. Carlevo last finished in the top 10 in the inaugural CIC3* at the Ocala Jockey Club over Thanksgiving weekend.

Sara Kozumplik Murphy and one of her newer rides, Rubens D’Ysieux hold down third place after the first two phases of competition on a score of 25.6 after a clear show jump round.

Looking to the Intermediate Horse and Intermediate Rider divisions, Leslie Law and Voltaire de Tre lead the Horse division on a score of 31.0 with nothing added in show jumping while Danielle Ditching Busbee and Fernhill Allure top the Rider board with a 33.8.

Buck Davidson and Be Mine. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Buck Davidson and Be Mine. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Show jumping shuffled the standings a bit in the Open Preliminary division, and Sable Giesler with Devil Munchkin sneaks into the overnight lead thanks to a clear round to remain on a 28.0 after two. Dressage leader Buck Davidson and Be Mine slot into second with one rail down. Katlyn Hewson and Fernhill Cascum Marco will tie for third with Shanon Baker and Ballingowan Zeal on a score of 31.3.

Cross country will complete tomorrow for all divisions. We’re looking forward to yet another season of #eventingsunnyFL, so be sure to post your adventures on social media for our winter social media recaps. Best of luck to all riders this weekend, and stay tuned for more from Ocala!

Ocala Winter I: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Escape the Cold: These Eventers Need Winter Working Students [Updated 1/7]

By on Jan 7, 2017 11:30 am -
This could be you! After your barn duties are done, of course. This could be you! After your barn duties are done, of course.

Do you dream of fleeing the freezing cold temperatures in favor of warm, sunny Ocala or Aiken? Do you dream of California as you’re staring at yet another snowfall outside? Lucky for you, there are several eventers seeking working students this winter, and many of these positions involve warmer weather!

Take a look at our latest edition of working student listings, and if you or someone you know is currently seeking a groom or working student, please email [email protected].

Connie Arthur/Lone Tree Farm (CA): Position includes: Room for yourself and board for one horse, lessons, training, and coaching on your own horse and horses of ours, hauling to shows/ schoolings/ clinics etc., monthly stipend with possibility to earn extra money/raises through hard work, projects and sales depending on experience level

What the job entails:
6 days a week, average hours 8am-6pm. 5 full days, 1 light day, days off upon request if needed. Morning stables, turnouts and other chores and projects.
Tacking up and untacking, longeing, warming up, cooling out horses – lots of riding depending upon your experience and ability.
Fun, team-oriented learning environment, working with ICP certified instructors with years of experience in a very competitive showing barn.
Indoor arena with lights and outdoor arenas and full cross country course with amazing footing. We are outside a LOT and can ride all year round in Central California with fantastic river bottom footing. Cross country has Intro through Intermediate. Instructors are FEI level in Dressage and Eventing, you can learn here!

Come and increase your education! Great for Pony Club preps for the upper levels. Contact Connie (209-985-3354 or [email protected]) or Tracy (209-373-5240 or [email protected])

Laine Ashker (VA): Laine Ashker Eventing is in search of a head groom to begin the 2017 eventing and dressage show year and onwards! This is a paying job and eligible candidates must have references and experience. Would prefer applicants to come without any pets but do come with a big smile! Feel free to email Lainey resumes at [email protected].

Stephen Bradley (VA): Stephen S. Bradley Eventing currently has an open working student position available immediately! 6 months to a 1-year commitment would be preferred. Working students are immersed in the sport of eventing and can expect to travel to shows, assist in riding at the farm, and will be expected to help complete the day-to-day duties of an active training facility. Knowledge of eventing would be helpful, but is not required. Located in White Post, Virginia. Housing, lessons and board for 1 horse are included. Potential to become a paid position for the right candidate. If an opportunity like this appeals to you, please send a riding video and resume to [email protected]. To learn more about Stephen and his program please visit his website: www.stephensbradley.com

Daniel Clasing (SC): Clasing Equestrian has openings for two working students, one to start Jan 1 and come to Aiken with us and one to start April 1. Candidates must have their own car, experience working in a barn, ideally have their own horse and ambitions to ride at the upper levels, and be able to provide references. This is not a paid position, board, lessons, coaching and trailering provided. Must be hardworking and willing to learn. For more information call 540-454-6974 or message Clasing Equestrian on Facebook.

Andrea Davidson (FL/PA): We are currently hiring for a nanny/working student position. This person will be responsible for watching over Aubrey while I am riding and teaching, both at shows and at home. This individual will also have the opportunity to work in one of the top eventing barns in the US. He/she will be exposed to the highest levels of eventing including training, shows, and barn management. This position is flexible, and the person can come with or without a horse. This is a great opportunity for someone who loves children but also has a passion for eventing. Looking for a one year commitment and you must be at least 18 years of age with experience with children, horses and barn work. Ocala, FL for the winter and Unionville Pa for the summer. Private message me to send your application and if you have any questions about the position.

Will Coleman (FL): WCE is seeking one working student for the Florida season. Housing and lessons provided in exchange for work. Some light riding may be available depending on experience. Minimum 3 month commitment required. Great way to get out of the cold and gain valuable experience with a great program and wonderful team! Sorry, no room to bring your own horse. Please email willcolemanequestrian@gmail.com for more info!

Courtney Cooper (PA/SC): 4-star rider Courtney Cooper and her C Square Farm are looking for a great person to join the team ASAP! The team will be in Pennsylvania through the holidays before heading to Aiken for 3 months. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone looking to dramatically improve their riding and become a well-rounded horse person. With horses ranging from unstarted youngsters to the four-star level, working students will get a hands-on experience in all aspects of a successful training and sales business. We are looking for someone who wants to grow, develop and become better in all aspects of their equine education. Board for one horse and housing (in spectacular new apartment in PA) is included with a 6-month commitment. Your own horse is not required though, as we have plenty to ride here. If being able to go to shows, ride horses, and learn tons of new and cool stuff appeals to you, give us a shout at [email protected]. Please include a brief riding and work history, along with any recent riding videos.

Will Faudree (NC): Will Faudree Eventing, based at Gavilan Farm in Hoffman, North Carolina, is currently seeking a working student. Candidates must have aspirations to ride at the upper-levels and ideally have ridden through Preliminary level/1*. This would be a great opportunity for someone who aspires to one day ride on the U.S. Team. Not only will your riding be coached but you will also have the opportunity to learn how to manage and run a barn.  Candidates must have completed high school and have their own vehicle for transportation. We are looking for a mature, responsible individual that can work on a team and take initiative when left alone. Interested candidates should contact Will at [email protected] for further details.

Woodge Fulton (FL): Woodge is seeking a motivated and hardworking individual to join her as a working student. Training with and riding out of Buck Davidson’s barn with winters in Ocala and summers in Unionville, Pennsylvania. Great for learning all aspects of a top barn. Housing provided and a minimum one-year commitment required. Please text 443-821-5193. Position available immediately.

Christa Gandolfo (FL): In search of a working student to start immediately. Work is 6 days a week, 7-4 at my incredible farm, Oakmont, in sunny, Ocala, Florida…. In exchange of work (daily tasks; stalls, turning in and out, tacking and untacking, organizing the barn, daily care of horses, etc.) you will receive board for one horse and 5 lessons/week as well as free coaching at shows. Must be 18+, with your own means of transportation, and a valid drivers license. Housing can be arranged if needed! Please email me inquiries/resumes: [email protected]

Clarke Johnstone (New Zealand): We are looking for an ambitious, fun and hard working person to join our busy team when Jackson Bovill goes back to uni in February. The position is live in and your horse is welcome to come. Email [email protected] if you think you would like to join our team for more information and with some information about yourself.

Earl and Jennifer McFall (CA): Dragonfire Farm in Wilton, Ca. is currently seeking a weekend groom. Duties include tacking up, grooming, tack cleaning, etc. in exchange for lessons. For more information, please email [email protected].

Joe Meyer (FL): Looking for two more working students for the upcoming season in Ocala. Can start immediately or in January. Plenty of work, training, riding and competing. Can bring your own horse or train on one of ours. Please contact [email protected] or PM me for more details.

Ronan Moloney (SC): I am looking for a working student to go to Aiken South Carolina for February and March have the opportunity to ride some nice horses and get more show experience under them. There is room for a horse and they have a room all taken care of. For more information, please email Ronan.

Megan Moore (KY): Team CEO Eventing is looking to hire in 2017! Looking for the experience of a lifetime? One position available for either a working student or a professional groom for a small string of event horses in Lexington KY. Great facilities, no stall cleaning except at competitions, upbeat happy work environment. Must be hard worker, motivated, upbeat, with a desire to learn. Our first opening in years! Ideally looking to hire March 2017 but we can be flexible as needed. Will discuss terms with the right candidate. Inquire to [email protected].

Sarah Morton (GA): Looking for one to two working students to help at a beautiful, privately-owned farm just outside of Aiken off 78. Primarily eventing and foxhunting focus, although we’ll do the odd jumper/dressage show here and there. Opportunities to show, foxhunt, and ride available to hard working, motivated individuals. Clean, quality housing available to a good fit. NO DRAMA. Looking to fill the position as soon as possible. Very friendly environment. If you are a motivated person looking to improve their riding and stable management skills, contact me and we’ll sort out a time for you to come ride with us! Contact: [email protected]

Colleen Rutledge (SC): Colleen Rutledge Eventing is still looking for a new team member for the Aiken season! Duties include feeding, mucking, turn in/out, tack cleaning, bathing and some riding/longeing depending on experience. Housing and a small stipend or housing for you and one horse and lessons in return. Please email [email protected] for more information!

Rebekah Simmons (FL): Rebekah Simmons is looking for a full time groom, working student, or someone that can feed/turnout/do stalls in Ocala for 10 horses. please message Rebekah. Need to hire ASAP.

Chilli Morning Retiring to Become Britain’s Most Eligible Eventing Bachelor

By on Jan 7, 2017 9:00 am -
William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning. Photo by Jenni Autry. William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Having nothing left to prove in his career as an event horse, William Fox-Pitt’s incredible partner Chilli Morning is now moving on to the next phase of his life, retiring to stand at stud for his first full season.

Chilli Morning needs no introduction, but we’ll give him a brief one anyway. William Fox-Pitt campaigned the now 17-year-old Brandenburg stallion (Phantomic X Koralle, by Kolibri), bred in Germany by Rainer Schicketanz and owned by Christopher Stone, to tremendous success at the 4* Championship level. The pair’s accolades include claiming individual bronze and team silver at WEG in 2014, winning Badminton CCI4* in 2015 and, for his swan song, finishing 12th at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. 

“Chilli’s” home will be West Kingston Stud, located just four miles south of his Badminton stomping grounds in the Cotswold countryside. He’s not new to the breeding thing, but 2017 will mark his first full season at stud.

William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning. Photo by Jenni Autry.

William Fox-Pitt and Chilli Morning. Photo by Jenni Autry.

His offspring are already following in their father’s footsteps. The youngsters have earned Elite and First Premium scores at BEF Futurity evaluations; Pentire Chilli Edge holds the record for the highest score ever in the eventing section, having been awarded a 9.46 as a foal in 2013. Older offspring are holding their own in international competition — a few examples:

Chillis Gem, winner at Intermediate and 7th at Le Lion 7-year-old World Championships in 2016
Jalapeno, winner at the CIC2* level, completed Blenheim CIC3* in 2016
Chilli Knight, winner at Novice and 3rd at the Gatcombe CIC* at age 6
Wickstead Kangaroo, 2nd at the Gatcombe CIC*
King Robert II, winner at Novice and 5th at Bicton CIC*

Stateside Chilli offspring include West Coast eventer Andrea Baxter’s Coronado, a 2-year-old colt out of Andrea’s former Rolex mount Estrella –it looks like he inherited some good genes and will be an exciting one to watch for the future! Click here to check out out EN’s story on Andrea and her breeding program.

Coronado (Chilli Morning x Estrella). Photo courtesy of Andrea Baxter.

Coronado (Chilli Morning x Estrella). Photo courtesy of Andrea Baxter.

Want a Chilli baby? Breeding is available via fresh, chilled and frozen semen — visit the West Kingston Stud website here (not yet updated with Chilli Morning breeding info but check back soon) or Facebook page here.

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Jan 7, 2017 12:45 am -
And the big storm hasn't even hit yet ... And the big storm hasn't even hit yet ...

After an extended drought in California, a normal winter is here. Yesterday, I was almost eaten by “quick slop” while attempting to retrieve my mare out of the pasture. I’d forgotten how terrifying it can be to find yourself shin-deep and rapidly sinking while you grapple with the decision to abandon your boots or not.

(Pro-tips for getting yourself unstuck in pasture muck: More liquid is your friend! Rock your stuck boot with small movements. Once you have one foot free, use it to dig the other out. Hold on to the blanket of a nearby pony for some leverage and something to balance against. When all else fails, use your cellphone and beg someone to bring you another set of boots.)

While I have sincere doubts that one normal winter will rectify our extreme lack of water, I am still very grateful. Allegedly we’ll be getting blasted hard up and down the state through the weekend. It should make for some very interesting times at Fresno County Horse Park where they are hosting Jock Paget and many other West Coast favorites for a Fundraiser Weekend.

U.S. Weekend Scores:

Ocala Winter I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Police called after shots fired near hunt

Terrance Millar resigns from Equestrian Canada board

University of Florida introduces Gator Eventing in the Sunshine State

2017 Final Exam for USEF Licensed Eventing Officials to be held at Richland Park Horse Trials

Salt for horses: Researchers dive in to this important balancing act

From HorseNation: 14 Things That You’ll Find In Any Equestrian’s Car

Saturday Video:

Friday Video from World Equestrian Brands: This Guy Has More Scope Than Some Horses

By on Jan 6, 2017 5:00 pm -

Hold your horses, everyone. This guy is here to make us all feel bad about whatever height we’re currently schooling. Believe it or not, this athletic two-legged probably has more scope in him than a lot of horses do.

Ever since Burghley Parkour became a thing, we’ve been waiting for someone new to come along and show us how it’s done. Who’s up for challenging this guy to a jump-off?